Lionel Messi admits he instantly regretted his defiant celebration after scoring in Argentina's World Cup quarter-final win against Netherlands.

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• Messi celebration aimed at Van Gaal
• Argentine regretted making the gesture
• Netherlands equalised right at the end

• Table of Contents

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Messi converted a penalty to put Argentina 2-1 up in the second half of the clash in Qatar and celebrated by cupping his ears. The celebration was aimed at Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal, who made comments criticising the star forward's work off the ball in the build up to the game.

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  WHAT MESSI SAID

  Messi told : "I came up with the 'Topo Gigio' [the goal celebration in which a player puts his hands to his ears as a sign of defying someone] right there and I automatically regretted it. As soon as I did it I thought: 'What an idiot. They can still tie it.' These things usually happen."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Messi's fears were realised right at the end of the second half when Wout Weghorst scored to make it 2-2, sending the tie into extra time and then penalties. Argentina won the shootout 4-3, however, and Argentina went on to beat Croatia in the last four before Messi inspired them to a win against France on penalties.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?

  Messi is currently preparing for the new MLS season with Inter Miami, which is expected to begin in late-February 2024.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News